Adam Williams presents his prediction for the European Rugby Champions Cup match.
Bordeaux Bègles, alongside Toulouse, are the favourites in Group 1. Leicester Tigers will face a formidable challenge in trying to snatch a victory at the Stade Chaban-Delmas, though there is precedent.
Bordeaux Bègles
Bordeaux Bègles were eliminated from the 2023/24 Champions Cup at the quarter-final stage on home soil by an English club, specifically Harlequins (41:42). Notably, this was their last home defeat. As it stands, they are thriving — occupying second place in the Top 14 and riding a 10-match home winning streak. While they've had several high-scoring games, their latest victory came in a minimalist contest of penalty exchanges against Montpellier (9:6), with all points scored by Maxime Lucu.
Leicester Tigers
For the English club, Handré Pollard is regarded as the best at free kicks and corners. In their recent away game against Sale Sharks, the two-time world champion successfully kicked two penalties and a conversion, missing once by two points. He is expected to be part of the starting line-up against Bordeaux Bègles as well. However, his points couldn't secure victory over the Sharks, who played even without George Ford (25:39). Despite the loss, the Tigers remain in the top three of the Premiership. They have performed well on the road this season, securing four wins out of six matches.
Bordeaux Bègles vs Leicester Tigers Prediction
The Tigers are familiar with Bordeaux Bègles from the 2021/22 season. They faced each other twice in the Champions Cup group stage that year. The English side won both encounters: first away (16:13), then at home (28:0). We expect something similar to the first game — a closely contested match, likely relying on free kicks and corners and a narrow margin. Despite Bordeaux's strength in the French league, Leicester Tigers have the potential to defeat them, but we won't overextend and will opt for a favourable handicap on the visitors.
